James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

BR1223:03

Introduction to Issues in Education

Townsville, Cairns

First semester by flexible delivery mode. It will be taught through a combination of external package plus tutorials delivered weekly on campus.

Available to Tertiary Access Course students.

Staff: Ms S Moore (Townsville campus); Ms D Stoter (Cairns campus).

This subject will provide students with an introduction to educational issues and discourses and focus on the educational aspirations and perspectives of Indigenous Australians. Understandings of curriculum development and school knowledge, pedagogy, educational philosophy, policy, organisational and school community relations will be examined from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of past and present educational theory and practice.

Learning Objectives:

  1. an ability to discuss current issues in Australian education from Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives;
  2. consideration of the relationship between schooling practices and educational discourses as these relate to students with variable backgrounds and aspirations;
  3. description and analysis of the specific language demands of schooling and selected key issues facing teachers.

Assessment by two written assignments (50%); log book of process exercises (20%); tutorial presentation (20%); tutorial participation and attendance (10%).